Importance

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Abstract

A system and method is provided for delivering facsimile messages to electronic mail addresses as object files attached to or inserted within e-mail messages. A facsimile server device is provided with a facsimile modem for receiving facsimile calls. The facsimile server device includes various application file translation software programs for translating the facsimile object files to subscriber selected formats. In operation, an e-mail subscriber also subscribes to a facsimile-delivery-to-electronic-mail system and is issued a specially designated phone number for receiving facsimile transmissions. The subscriber selects a file translation format in accordance with a software application program which the subscriber uses. The facsimile server device receives and demodulates the facsimile transmission and stores it as an object file in the native facsimile format. The facsimile server device then queries a subscriber database for translation of the dialed phone number to an e-mail address. The subscriber database query also provides a subscriber selected file format which the facsimile file is to be translated into prior to sending to the subscriber. The facsimile server device creates an e-mail message addressed to the e-mail address and translates the native facsimile object file to the format file specified by the subscriber database. The facsimile server device attaches the translated object file to the electronic mail message, or inserts it within, and sends the electronic mail message to the subscriber.

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First Claim